Your 20s are the perfect time to see the world. This decade of your life gives you something special: the freedom to go anywhere without many ties holding you back. You have more independence than when you were younger, but fewer responsibilities than you’ll have later in life.
Right now, you have the energy to hike mountains, stay up all night at festivals, and sleep in airport terminals. You can take career breaks without major consequences. Your body can handle long flights and adventurous activities. Most importantly, you’re at a stage where travel can shape who you become.
This guide shares seven of the best places to travel in your 20s. These destinations offer budget-friendly options, incredible experiences, and chances to meet other young travelers from around the world.
Why Your 20s Are the Best Time to Travel
Your 20s give you financial flexibility that’s hard to find later. You probably don’t have a mortgage, kids, or major expenses yet. Living out of a backpack for a few months? Totally possible. Staying in hostels and eating street food? Part of the fun. You can stretch your budget further because you’re willing to rough it a bit.
The physical energy you have right now is huge. You can handle overnight bus rides, climb volcanoes, go scuba diving, and party until sunrise. Then do it all again the next day. This stamina opens doors to activities that might feel harder as you get older.
Travel in your 20s builds experiences that shape your entire life. You learn about different cultures, challenge your beliefs, and figure out what matters to you. You make friends from every continent. You gain confidence by solving problems in foreign countries. These years are when you’re forming your adult identity, and seeing the world speeds up that growth in the best way.
7 Best Places to Travel in Your 20s
These destinations stand out as the best places to travel in your 20s because they combine affordability, safety, and opportunities to meet other young travelers. Each offers something unique while fitting a typical 20-something budget.
1. Thailand: Budget Paradise with Amazing Activities
Thailand tops the list of best places to travel in your 20s for good reason. Your money goes incredibly far here. A nice hostel costs $10 a night. Delicious street food runs $2 per meal. The country is safe, English is widely spoken, and there’s a huge community of young backpackers. The nightlife in Bangkok and the islands is legendary, but you also get deep cultural experiences at ancient temples and local markets.
You can island hop in the south, visiting places like Koh Tao, Koh Phi Phi, and Railay Beach. Take a cooking class in Chiang Mai. Ride a motorbike through mountain villages. Visit elephant sanctuaries. The variety keeps every day interesting. Plus, Thailand’s location makes it easy to visit nearby countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
2. Portugal: European Charm Without Breaking the Bank
Portugal gives you the European experience without the brutal price tag of Paris or London. Lisbon and Porto are beautiful cities filled with colorful tiles, historic neighborhoods, and friendly locals. You can find hostels for $15 to $20 a night, and meals at local restaurants cost much less than in other Western European countries.
The Portuguese coast offers incredible surf spots and beach towns. Try port wine in Porto’s cellars. Listen to Fado music in intimate Lisbon bars. Take day trips to fairytale castles in Sintra. The public transportation works well, and the food scene is fantastic. Portugal has become increasingly popular with young travelers who want Europe without emptying their bank accounts.
3. Australia’s East Coast: Working Holiday Dream
Australia’s working holiday visa program makes it one of the best places to travel in your 20s if you want to earn money while seeing a new country. You can work in hostels, farms, restaurants, or offices to fund your travels. The pay is good, and the experience of living and working abroad is valuable.
The East Coast route from Cairns to Sydney is classic for a reason. Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef. Party in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. Learn to surf at Byron Bay. Experience Sydney’s beaches and culture. The road trip down the coast, stopping at beach towns and national parks, is something you’ll remember forever. Yes, Australia is expensive, but earning Australian dollars while you’re there balances things out.
4. Guatemala: Authentic Central American Experience
Guatemala offers rich culture and natural beauty at prices that won’t drain your savings. Antigua, with its colonial architecture and volcano views, is safe and welcoming to travelers. Lake Atitlan, surrounded by volcanoes and Mayan villages, might be the most beautiful lake you’ll ever see.
You can hike active volcanoes, learn Spanish at affordable language schools, and experience authentic Mayan culture. The food is delicious and cheap. Hostels cost $5 to $10 per night. You’ll meet other young travelers, but Guatemala feels less touristy than some other destinations. It’s perfect if you want meaningful cultural experiences without spending a fortune.
5. Croatia: Mediterranean Beauty
Croatia combines Mediterranean beauty with reasonable prices, making it increasingly popular among young travelers. The Adriatic coastline is gorgeous, with crystal clear water and hundreds of islands to visit. Cities like Dubrovnik and Split mix history with modern beach culture.
Take a ferry between islands, spending time in places like Hvar and Korčula. Visit Plitvice Lakes National Park with its waterfalls and hiking trails. The hostel scene is growing, with social hostels that host boat parties and bar crawls. Croatia costs more than Southeast Asia but less than Italy or France, offering a good middle ground for budget-conscious travelers who want a European beach experience.
6. Peru: Ancient Wonders and Mountain Adventures
Peru attracts young travelers with its combination of ancient history, outdoor activities, and budget-friendly prices. Machu Picchu is obviously the main draw, but the entire Sacred Valley region is worth exploring. Cusco has a vibrant backpacker scene with great hostels where you’ll easily meet travel buddies.
Hike the Inca Trail or take alternative treks through the mountains. Visit Rainbow Mountain for incredible views. Try ceviche and pisco sours. Learn about Incan history at ruins throughout the region. The community of young travelers in Peru is strong, so you’ll never feel alone. Everything from accommodation to food to tours costs significantly less than in North America or Europe.
7. London: City Energy and Culture
London might seem expensive, but it belongs on any list of the best places to travel in your 20s, especially if it’s your first time traveling internationally. Everyone speaks English, it’s very safe, and public transportation makes getting around easy. The city has more free museums than anywhere else in the world.
You can see world-class art, historical artifacts, and science exhibits without spending a penny. Markets like Borough Market and Camden offer affordable food and shopping. The nightlife spans every type of scene you could want. Free walking tours teach you the city’s history. Yes, London is pricier than other destinations on this list, but budget hostels exist, and many of the best experiences cost nothing. It’s especially good if you’re nervous about international travel since the language barrier doesn’t exist.
Essential Tips for Traveling in Your 20s
Making the most of travel in your 20s means being smart about your choices. Starting with more affordable destinations builds your confidence before you tackle pricier or more challenging places. Southeast Asia, Central America, and Eastern Europe give you the most bang for your buck while you learn the ropes.
Here are key strategies to make your money stretch further and your experiences richer:
- Stay in hostels instead of hotels to meet other travelers and cut costs dramatically
- Look into work exchanges or working holiday visas so you can earn money abroad
- Book flights well in advance and be flexible with dates to find the best deals
- Use public transportation, walk, or rent bikes instead of taking taxis everywhere
- Eat street food and cook meals in hostel kitchens rather than constantly dining out
- Travel during the shoulder season when flights and accommodation cost less
- Pack only what fits in a carry-on bag to avoid checked baggage fees
- Get travel insurance before every trip, even short ones
- Stay open to changing your plans when opportunities arise
- Document your experiences through photos and journals, but don’t forget to live in the moment
- Talk to locals and ask for recommendations to find authentic experiences away from tourist traps
These habits will help you travel longer and more comfortably on a limited budget. The skills you develop now will serve you for decades of future trips.
Conclusion
Your 20s truly are the ideal decade for seeing the world. You have the energy, flexibility, and openness to new experiences that make travel so rewarding. The seven destinations in this guide represent some of the best places to travel in your 20s because they balance affordability with incredible experiences.
Don’t wait for the perfect time or until you have more money saved. These countries and cities offer chances to grow, learn, meet amazing people, and create stories you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
Start planning your first trip or your next one today. Research flights, read travel blogs, and connect with others who have been to these places. The experiences you gain and the lessons you learn while traveling in your 20s will shape who you become. Make the most of this special time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Money Do I Need to Travel in My 20s?
It depends on where you go. Southeast Asia or Central America might cost $30 to $50 per day for budget travel. Europe typically runs $60 to $100 daily. Save for several months before leaving, and consider working holiday visas to earn money abroad.
Is It Safe to Travel Alone in Your 20s?
Yes, millions of young people travel solo safely every year. Stay in well-reviewed hostels, trust your instincts, avoid walking alone late at night in sketchy areas, and keep family updated on your location. Solo travel builds confidence quickly.
What’s the Best Way to Meet Other Travelers?
Stay in social hostels rather than private hotels. Join free walking tours or group activities. Use apps like Meetup or Couchsurfing events. Common areas in hostels naturally lead to conversations and new friendships with people from around the world.
Should I Quit My Job to Travel or Take Shorter Trips?
Both have benefits. Shorter trips let you keep career momentum and income. Long-term travel provides deeper immersion and life-changing experiences. Consider taking a few shorter trips first, then decide if you want to take a longer break.
How Do I Balance Travel with Career Goals?
Many employers value international experience and cultural awareness. Frame your travel as personal development. Skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and independence gained from travel are valuable professionally. Short resume gaps for travel are normal and accepted in your 20s.
